Abstract

The evidence presented in this report is the result of a research process undertaken by the Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD) in 13 communities in the Bushbuckridge District (part of former Gazankulu and Lebowa homelands), Northern Province. It presents evidence on the extent of productive uses for water at community level, the economic benefits (livelihood benefits) to this water and the current patterns of payment for water. It introduces some of the main issues affecting the willingness to pay for water in rural communities, and it will also discuss some of the challenges ahead for the community water sector in South Africa.